A method for fabricating a fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) part includes the steps of forming a blank from FRCMC material such that the blank has a dimension approximating a desired finished dimension for the part measuring the dimension of the blank in an unloaded condition, applying a load to the blank and then removing the load so as to cause permanent strain of the blank, measuring the dimension of the blank after the load has been applied and then removed, and comparing the measured dimension after loading to the previously measured dimension. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, if the dimension after loading differs from the dimension previously measured, the loading and measuring steps are repeated. After each loading cycle, the blank is measured and the measured dimension is compared to that previously measured after the prior loading cycle. The loading cycles are continued until the measured dimension differs from the previously measured dimension by less than a predetermined amount such that the blank has achieved dimensional stability with loading. After dimensional stability has been achieved, the final machining of the blank is performed to conform the dimension to the desired dimension.